Artists created kinetic brooches from a kit with Halstead components, some of which were featured in an exhibition at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery during SNAG^neXt in May 2016. The brooches were for sale during…

Starting out as a maker and looking for advice? Do you find yourself mid-career and needing a nudge? Get answers from Brigitte Martin, founder and editor of Crafthaus, award-winning author and craft community advocate. Discuss your work, your goals, and your future path. What is important to you? Let's discuss how to…

Source: CERF+ Studio Protector

Myths may lie dormant on Monster Island, but when disaster rears its ugly head, they will come down on you like Godzilla’s foot on Tokyo! Knowledge is power and can help you keep your monster under control.

Myth: My studio is…

Statewide Artisans Conference MEET & GREET:

Monday, March 16, 6:30 PM



Join us for the Official Conference…

The ACV invites craft and agri-artisans, their guilds, regional professional groups, associations, local affiliates and supporting businesses and venues to gather as peers for an empowering experience of networking... and exploring old ideas in brave new ways.…

still fresh off the virtual press...!

Arts Business Institute

Some readers might remember that in February of this year, I spent an evening in Dundee for the launch of Kate Pickering's fantastic project, Vanilla Ink, a shop, a community, a support network, a workshop. Today was the first day of the workshop project going live, the first intake of real graduates into the year-long mentor-supported world of…

Last weekend I went to Pittsburgh and got to attend SNAG's Forging Entrepreneurs Symposium.  I met some awesome metalsmiths and got a lot of good information.  For my summary, check out my personal blog. Here's a preview:

This past weekend was the first SNAG Forging Entrepreneurs Symposium…

Just back from "Forging Entrepreneurs - Tools and Skills for Business Success" presented by SNAG, in collaboration with The Society of Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA.  I highly recommend to anyone involved in an arts organization - or if you have an opportunity to hear her speak, Crafthaus' own Brigitte Martin.  Her presentation entitled "What it really takes to be a…

In struggling through my taxes (along with everyone else this time of year), the number crunching reminded me of the 1099 "red flag" that probably triggered my tax audit in 2010.  Don't let this happen to you!…

[Shameless self promotion -- take a workshop with Harriete on business development and ASK Harriete your questions in person.] 

We all want to improve our tools for success.  In a two day workshop, gain a wealth of information on ways to accelerate your…

"What should I use for a tag line?"

A very common question posed to ASK Harriete.  Tag lines are popular, and like Tagalong Girl Scout cookies, somewhat over rated, and not really good for you.

Sorry to be so harsh, but I am kind of bemused. It seems that tag lines are something that…

Time to get your business taxes ready.

For artists and makers, running your business in a manner compliant with I.R.S. rules can make a BIG DIFFERENCE between being declared a "business" instead of a "hobby".…

Coming up is my "anniversary" of my I.R.S. audit. Three summers ago, I was "invited" for a morning visit with the I.R.S. What a petrifying experience! Coffee was politely offered but my adrenaline was pumping already. Everything turned out fine...but perhaps you may gain some insight from how I survived economically unscathed and on

excellent terms with the I.R.S.…